There is a very interesting site where you can learn more about your questions. Reading this site I learned that topographic maps are useful tools for planning highways, recreation areas, airports, housing developments, industrial sites, selecting pipeline and power-line routes, for agricultural research, property surveys, and natural resources management. For you, topographic maps may be useful for recreational activities such as hiking, boating, camping fishing or hunting.

If you want to learn more, please go to:

topomaps